Beginner's Guide & FAQ

Arknights beginner's guide helps new Doctors optimize early progression with tips on initial steps and answers frequently asked questions.

Welcome, new Doctor, to Rhodes Island! Arknights can seem daunting at first with its deep strategy and extensive roster of Operators. This guide will help you navigate your first steps, optimize your early progression, and answer common questions.

Initial Steps & Early Game Progression

Your first few days in Arknights are crucial for establishing a strong foundation. Focus on these actionable steps:

• Complete Main Story Stages: Prioritize clearing the early chapters of the main story. This unlocks essential game modes, provides valuable Orundum (for pulling new Operators), and introduces core mechanics.
• Understand Operator Roles: Familiarize yourself with the different classes (Vanguard, Defender, Medic, Sniper, Caster, Supporter, Specialist, Guard). Each plays a vital role in your squad composition.
• Resource Management: Early on, resources are scarce. Be mindful of how you spend LMD (Lungmen Dollars) and Battle Records.

Operator Acquisition & Development

One of the most common questions for new players revolves around which Operators to invest in. Here's a breakdown:

Early Operator Investment Strategy

Many new players wonder whether to invest in 3-star Operators or wait for higher rarity units. The answer is a mix:

1. Level 3-Star Operators Initially: 3-star Operators are incredibly cost-effective to raise and can carry you through a significant portion of the early game. They require fewer resources for promotion (Elite 1) and skill upgrades. Examples include:
   • Vanguard: Fang, Vanilla
   • Medic: Ansel, Hibiscus
   • Sniper: Kroos, Jessica
   • Defender: Cuora, Cardigan
   • Caster: Lava, Amiya (Amiya is a 5-star story unlock, but functions as a core early Caster)

   Promote these to Elite 1 (E1) Level 50-60. This will unlock their second skill and significantly boost their stats.

2. Transition to 4-Star and 5-Star Operators: As you acquire more 4-star and 5-star Operators, you'll gradually replace your 3-star units. Prioritize promoting strong 4-stars to E1 and eventually E2. Good early 4-star picks include:
   • Vanguard: Myrtle (essential for DP generation)
   • Medic: Perfumer, Gavial
   • Sniper: Shirayuki, Meteorite
   • Guard: Mousse, Estelle
3. Prioritize Key 6-Star Operators: If you pull powerful 6-star Operators early, they should be your top priority for Elite 2 (E2) promotion.

Utilizing Operator Vouchers & Permits

You'll receive several valuable items that allow you to select specific Operators. Use them wisely!

• Top Operator Transfer Permit (6-star Selector): This is your most valuable early item. Common strong recommendations from the reference material include:
  • SilverAsh: His "Truesilver Slash" skill is a game-changer for clearing waves and high-damage output. He excels in both early and late game.
  • Exusiai: An exceptional single-target Anti-Air Sniper. Her rapid-fire attacks melt aerial threats and high-defense ground units.
  • Blaze: A powerful AoE Guard with excellent survivability and consistent damage.
  • Thorns: A Ranged Guard who becomes a self-sufficient lane holder after E2.
  • Mountain: A fast-redeploy Brawler Guard with great self-sustain and damage.

  Recommendation: For new players, SilverAsh or Exusiai are often the strongest choices due to their immediate impact and long-term utility.

• Senior Operator Transfer Permit (5-star Selector): This allows you to choose any 5-star Operator. Consider Operators that fill gaps in your roster or provide unique utility. Some strong choices mentioned in the community include:
  • Liskarm: A Defender who generates DP when attacked, excellent for sustaining your team.
  • Silence: A Medic with a deployable drone that provides additional healing.
  • Pramanix: A Supporter who debuffs enemy defense, making them easier to defeat.
  • Projekt Red: A fast-redeploy Specialist useful for stunning enemies or assassinating high-priority targets.
• Senior Training Invitation (E2 Promotion Item): This allows you to promote a Senior Operator directly to E2 Level 1. Save this for a top-tier 6-star Operator like SilverAsh or Exusiai once you've decided who your main carry will be.

Base Management

Your Base is a crucial source of passive income and materials. Don't neglect it!

• Early Base Setup: Focus on building up your Trading Posts and Factories to generate LMD and Battle Records. Prioritize upgrading your Control Center to unlock more rooms.
• Operator Assignments: Assign Operators with relevant Base Skills to rooms to maximize efficiency. For example, Operators with "Gold Production" skills should be in Factories producing Gold Bars.
• Dormitories: Build and upgrade Dormitories to restore Operator morale, which is essential for continuous work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions from new Doctors:

Q: When should I switch from 3-star to 4/5/6-star Operators?

A: Start transitioning as soon as you acquire strong 4-star and higher rarity Operators. Your 3-star units are excellent for initial progression, but their stat caps and skill sets will eventually be outscaled. Aim to have a core team of E1 4-star and 5-star Operators, with your chosen 6-star units being prioritized for E2.

Q: What's the most efficient way to get more Operators?

A: The primary methods are:

• Headhunting (Gacha): Use Orundum and Headhunting Permits. Always check the current banners; new player banners often offer guaranteed 5-star or 6-star Operators.
• Recruitment: Use Recruitment Permits and refresh tags. Learn common tag combinations for guaranteed 4-star, 5-star, and even 6-star Operators (e.g., "Top Operator" tag guarantees a 6-star).
• Certificates Store: Exchange Distinction Certificates and Commendation Certificates for Operators or Headhunting Permits.
• Story Progression: Some Operators, like Amiya, are unlocked through story completion.

Q: Should I save all my Orundum for specific banners?

A: Generally, yes. While it's tempting to pull on every banner, saving Orundum for "Limited" banners or banners featuring highly meta-relevant Operators (like SilverAsh, Exusiai, Surtr, Ch'en the Holungday, etc.) is a more efficient long-term strategy. However, don't be afraid to do a few pulls on the New Player banner for a guaranteed 6-star.

Q: What are "Elite 1" and "Elite 2" promotions?

A: Elite promotions (E1, E2) are major power spikes for your Operators. They unlock new skills, talents, and significantly increase stats.

• Elite 1: Unlocks the Operator's second skill and often a talent. Requires LMD, Battle Records, and specific materials found in Supply Stages.
• Elite 2: Unlocks the Operator's third skill (if applicable), a stronger talent, and their unique E2 art. Requires significantly more LMD and advanced materials, often found in later Supply Stages or event shops.

Q: Where do I get materials for promotions and skill upgrades?

A: Materials are primarily obtained from:

• Supply Stages: Found under "Operations" -> "Supply." Each stage type (e.g., "Chip Search," "Tactical Drill") drops different materials.
• Event Shops: During limited-time events, you can often exchange event currency for valuable promotion materials.
• Green Certificate Store: Exchange Green Certificates (from recruitment) for basic materials.
• Red Certificate Store: Exchange Red Certificates (from selling certain items) for more advanced materials.